Q-Lit Festival Releases 2026 Program
The program for the 2026 Q-Lit Festival in Melbourne (Naarm) has been released!
Q-Lit celebrates queer voices across Victoria (but it’s the only festival of its kind in Australia) through literature, storytelling, and community. They create spaces for connection, amplify LGBTQIA+ writers, and empower the next generation of storytellers.
Q-Lit was founded in 2022 by Kate Hall and Timothy Ryan.
The theme this year is QUEER NOSTALGIA (I love it actually) and the program consists of a week of day and night activities, emphasising art, participation, and engagement rather than just showcasing big name authors.
Our highlights from the festival program include:
Panel - Unearthing the Sapphic Archive
17 July, 7pm, Kensington Town Hall
Join host Sita Sargeant, with Sylvia Martin and Danielle Scrimshaw, as they unearth hidden sapphic histories. From women shaping Australian cities to queer love across time, discover how these writers bring our ancestors into the light and share their stories to todays readers.Panel - Main Character Energy
18 July, 6pm, Mission to Seafarers
Polite representation is officially out. Join the entertainment greats as they ditch the scripts and reveal the messy, glorious reality of navigating the entertainment biz. Get ready for an outrageously fun session on unapologetically putting yourself out there and the absolute thrill of taking up space.Words & Wine
18 July, 8pm, Mission to Seafarers
Swap your standard Saturday drinks for something better! We’ve paired five wildly different queer storytellers with five fantastic local wines. From fierce activist poetry to sweeping romance, grab a glass, and settle in for an epic night of tasting and tales. Hosted by Tina Del Twist, with Laura McPhee-Browne, Tara Calaby, Nikki Viveca, and Skye CusackQueer Book Fair
19 July, 10-3pm,
The best in queer literature to fill your bookshelf. This is your free one-stop-shop for uncovering the best and most locally written works from the LGBTQIA+ community. Along with the amazing array of works from Hares and Hyenas, you'll also have the opportunity to peruse individual writers stalls and meet them personally.